27
Sep

What Kind of Drywall Do You Use in a Bathroom?

commercial building bathroom

For nearly a decade, Robey has been a leading local, commercial drywall, metal stud, insulation, and acoustical ceiling contractor. If you have questions about drywalling a bathroom, you’ve come to the right place.

Before drywall––also known as sheetrock––was created, stone, mud, plaster, wood, and concrete, in various forms and combinations, were used to make interior walls. Drywall can be inexpensive, usually in stock with suppliers, and easy to work with, which makes it a go-to construction material. Installers utilize it for interior ceilings and walls, yet it is not waterproof. Sheetrock in a bathroom is tricky. It is porous and lightweight by design, meaning any liquid trapped within its layers can cause mold growth: a problem no business or homeowner ever wants to have. That’s why knowing what type of drywall to use in bathroom construction, along with having the proper tools on-hand, is critical.

Why Select Bathroom Drywall?

Drywall in a bathroom requires extra precautions to prevent water damage. Drywall in the bathroom is constructed differently than other types of sheetrock. Drywall for a bathroom can be mixed with foam, plastics, or other materials to not only reduce mold and mildew growth but also flammability risk.

Types of Bathroom Drywall

Selecting the right sheetrock in a bathroom project starts with understanding the different types and contents. Some common drywall bathroom choices include:

  • Cement Board – Cement is infused into the board for waterproofing needs.
  • Greenboard – Coated with thick wax paper to keep it water resistant, this board is tinted green.
  • Blueboard – This blue-tinted board is infused with gypsum crystals to create a water barrier for better bonding.
  • Purple Drywall – This line of sheetrock is mold and mildew resistant.
  • Paperless Drywall – Rather than finding paper on the outer layer, this type of drywall utilizes sheets of fiberglass.

No sheetrock in bathrooms is 100% waterproof. The options listed above resist mold and mildew when paired with a waterproofing layer behind tile. When ready to drywall bathroom ceilings, remember sheetrock is made from material that can be damaged by humidity. When moisture stays locked into ceiling drywall, the weight of the humidity can cause the ceiling to sag, then break away from the joists. Starting with the right type of drywall makes all the difference in ensuring that your ceiling and walls remain secure. 

Around the tub and shower, it’s critical to use and properly install the right materials. These areas are always in contact with water. In the case of tiled showers, they become saturated. After installation, the best way to care for tile and surrounding drywall is to ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated and allow steam and moist air to dry completely. Also, be vigilant and keep an eye out for any cracks or mildew. These are signals that there may be an issue to address. 

Rely on Robey for all your full-service drywall needs. We understand that your budget and timeline are critical to the project outcome. We are the premier contractor to trust for all your commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Contact us today, and let’s talk about your next building project.